Unfair competition between transport sectors is one of the biggest obstacles in reducing polluting emissions in Europe, says Michael Cramer MEP. Communities should also change their mobility patterns in order to safeguard the environment.

The German government introduced a controversial road toll on Thursday which will force foreign car drivers to pay up to 130 euros a year for using Germany's Autobahn motorways. The plan, intended to help Germany fund the upkeep of its transport infrastructure, which is used by millions of foreign vehicles, may yet face a legal challenge in Brussels for discriminating against foreign motorists.

During his hearing, Maroš Šefčovič leveraged his experience as Vice-President of the European Commission for inter-institutional relations, especially when it came to dealing with MEPs, and his familiarity with Commission policies. EurActiv Slovakia reports.

EXCLUSIVE / Large diesel-powered machines responsible for toxic emissions in Europe’s urban areas will not be obliged to limit emissions of ultrafine particulate matter (PM) by using particle filters, and will not need to report their CO2 emissions, under key parts of a draft EU law seen by EurActiv.